So, if you had an average kid -- where would you send them?

[Anonymous]

We can't possibly all have 99th %ile kids. Where do people with kids in the "average range", say 50th to 80th %ile apply? I'm thinking of kids who are "B" students with effort, who score "proficient" and "on grade level" on their report card. No learning disabilities, or ADHD, but not academic superstars either.

As a public school teacher I see tons of these kids, but DCUM makes it seem like they don't exist. So, if a family has a child that fits this profile, and wants them to go to private school for whatever reason -- where would they look?

[Anonymous]

Bullis, Field, or Burke

[Anonymous]

What if they were younger -- are their good schools for little ones in this category?

Also, does anyone know if SSFS takes kids like this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullis, Field, or Burke

What's the deal with Bullis? Considering its nice location in the heart of affluent Potomac, and its great facilities, you would think it would be considered a top tier program. What gives?

[Anonymous]

Bullis is not better than Whitman, and that is a public school

[Anonymous]

how old? It sounds as if OP means older children, because the description mentions earning Bs (which would not happen when you are 4 yr old). so -

Catholic/parochial schools;

any school that does not require the WPPSI/ WISC;

any school they want if parents are $$$$$$$$$ + $

[Anonymous]

St. Patrick's, NPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullis is not better than Whitman, and that is a public school

Depends on what you mean by better. Better at sending kids to impressive colleges, no. Better at providing individual attention, individualized instruction, not having to "teach to the test" and other benefits of a private school education, yes. Bullis is exactly what the OP is asking about, a private school that caters to kids who are academically average. (It is also considered a "jock" school and likes to take kids who are athletically talented.)

OP, at younger grades, you might also take a look at St. Andrews Episcopal School. Great, nurturing K-12 school that caters to "all kinds of learners."

[Anonymous]

OP here, the kids I work with are older (mid elem.) so I used the B example, but I guess I'm really wondering, where they'd be if they weren't with me in the public school classroom, so I'm curious about elementary options, as well as upper grades.

[Anonymous]

I say to the youngsters...shoot for the stars. Ignore the wild exaggerations from your parents on this board. Just go for it with gusto and have fun doing it.

[Anonymous]

They should go to the best public schools they can. Why spend money on average?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They should go to the best public schools they can. Why spend money on average?

Actually the average need more help than the stars.

Mom of an average student who left public for private

[Anonymous]

Good point pp -- I didn't look at it that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullis is not better than Whitman, and that is a public school

Whitman has a better reputation than Bullis and it's free!

[Anonymous]

As a current Bullis parent of two enrolled children, I agree that it should be considered a top tier program. I absolutely feel that it has been a top tier experience for each of my children, in different ways. The Upper School definitely offers a rigorous curriculum with many students taking all AP and honors while participating on sports teams, the play or musical and various other activities. The great glory of the school is that each child is encouraged to take on the most challenging courseload appropriate for her/him. The teachers are wonderful about guiding and developing students who continue to reach their potential in either confidence or skills. The Lower and Middle Schools were exceptional experiences that developed my children as students, athletes, artists and most importantly, as vibrant and respectful members of the school community.